System for providing information to a user

ABSTRACT

A system for providing information to a user includes a screen for showing the information to the user, receiving means for receiving one or more values from a source of values on which values the information shown to the user is based, generating means for generating two or more data lines wherein each of said data lines comprises at least one data set, wherein the data sets comprise data which are based on said values and wherein the data sets are assigned to at least two data lines by predetermined or changeable criteria displaying means for simultaneously showing said two or more data lines to the user on said screen, and moving means for moving at least one of said data lines on the screen, wherein the moving means comprise adjustment means for adjusting a speed of the movement of the at least one data line depending on a criterion relating to the at least one data set comprised in the data line.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention refers to a system for providing information to auser.

RELATED ART

In order to display a large amount of information in a compact andintelligible form, it is known from the prior art to use so-calledsparklines which are word-sized, minimized diagrams. Sparklines providedense information in small spaces and do not necessitate a complex andtime-consuming loading of databases and calculation of reports by theuser. For example exchange rate movements, sports results, temperaturevariations etc. may easily be illustrated by use of such word-sizedgraphics.

It is also known to provide a single data line comprising a plurality ofdata sets which are moving over the screen of a computer. Such datalines increase the amount of displayed information and the movement ofthe data sets allows providing the user with a lot of currentinformation without user-interaction. The displayed information may beupdated so as to provide the user permanently with current information.The data sets comprised in such a data line can also comprisesparklines. Such data ticker based on sparklines help recognizingproblems or developments easily and quickly so that suitable action canbe taken for example by a financial analyst or controller in due courseif necessary.

It is known from U.S. Pat. No. 8,122,369 issued for the same applicant,which is incorporated into this application in its entirety byreference, to display at least two such data lines simultaneously to theuser, in order to increase the information shown to the user.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide an improved systemfor providing information to a user.

In order to solve this object, the system according to the presentinvention comprises a screen for showing information to the user andreceiving means for receiving one or more values from a source of valueson which the information shown to the user is based. Said values are forexample results of sporting events, business data, such as turnovervalues, sales values, stock prices, economic values such as unemploymentdata etc. The screen may be a screen of any kind of computer device. Thescreen may be the screen of a portable device, such as a cell phone orlaptop or of a personal computer. The system further comprisesgenerating means for generating two or more data lines wherein each ofsaid data lines comprises at least one data set, wherein the data setscomprise data which are based on said values. In accordance with theinvention the data sets are assigned to one or more of the at least twodata lines by predetermined or changeable criteria. The system accordingto the invention further comprises displaying means for simultaneouslyshowing said two or more data lines to the user on said screen.

The system allows the simultaneous display of two or more and preferablyof a plurality of data lines which each are composed of at least onedata set, and which are preferably each composed of a plurality of datasets. The data sets comprise data which are based on the values from asource of values. This allows to give a perfect overview even of complexprocesses due to the ability to display at least two data lines whichmay be sorted by suitable criteria such as for example turnovers,yields, losses, number or kind of orders, calls, mails, history of anyprocess, information about related products, competitors, customers orany other activity for example of different departments or sections of acompany. Based on this condensed information it is easily possible forthe management, for a controller or for a financial analyst to detectnot desired trends and to take action in due course.

Due to the fact that the displaying means are adapted to display two ormore than two data lines simultaneously it is not only possible toprovide a lot of information to the user but also to easily compare thedata lines with each other and also to display the result of suchcomparison in a further data line. The two or more than two data linesmay displayed one below the other, side by side or may have any otherdesired orientation on the screen.

The information may be displayed on a screen of a personal computer orlaptop or on a screen of a navigation system or of a handheld portabledevice, such as a cell phone, PDA etc.

In a first embodiment, the system further comprises moving means formoving at least one of said data lines on the screen.

The moving means further comprise adjustment means for adjusting thespeed of the movement of the at least one data line depending on acriterion relating to the at least one data set comprised in the dataline. The adjustment means may automatically apply the criterion to theat least one data set comprised in the data line in order toautomatically set the speed of movement of the data line.

In particular, the movement means may move the data sets comprised in adata line with a speed that is determined by the adjusting meansdepending on a criterion relating to these data sets.

Thereby, depending on the data sets comprised in the data lines, a firstdata line may be moved with a first speed, while a second data line ismoved with a second speed. In particular, the data sets comprised in afirst data line may be moved with a first speed, and the data setscomprised in a second line may be moved with a second speed.

In a particular embodiment, the criterion may relate to a number of datasets comprised in the at least one data line. In a further embodiment,the criterion may also relate to the size of the at least one data set,and in particular to the size of the representation of the data set.

In an embodiment, the criterion may relate to the size of the data setin the direction of movement of the data line. The criterion may alsorelate to both the number of data sets comprised in the at least onedata line, and the size of these data sets. In particular, the criterionmay relate to the size necessary for displaying all the data setscomprised in the data line.

In a particular embodiment, the adjusting means will adjust the speed insuch a way that a data line comprising a larger number of data sets orlarger data sets will move faster than a data line comprising a smallernumber of data sets or smaller data sets.

Further, the adjusting means may adjust the speed in such a way that adata line comprising data sets which need more space to be displayedwill move faster than a data line comprising data sets which need lessspace to be displayed.

Thereby, the speed of movement will depend on the size of theinformation displayed in the data line, and in particular of the size ofthis information in the direction of movement of the moving means.

In a particular embodiment, the moving means may move the data sets inone data line in such a way that the same sequence of data sets isrepeatedly shown to the user. In particular, the data sets may be movedon the screen in such a way that sets moving over a boarder of the dataline will disappear and after a certain time reappear over the opposingboarder of the data line into the data line.

Without the adjustment means, the time for displaying a complete set ofdata at least once would very massively depend on the number of datasets to be displayed in the data line and the size of these data sets.With the present invention, this difference can be reduced. Further, thespeed of the movement will give the user immediate information on thenumber of data sets or their size comprised in one data line.

In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the data lines maycomprise labels. Further, the moving means may be programmed in such away that the labels of the data lines are not moved.

Further, the moving means may be programmed in such a way that onlythose data lines that are not fitting onto the screen will be moved,whereas data lines which are fitting onto the screen are not moved. Inparticular, if all the data sets to be displayed in a data line can beshown on the screen without moving the data sets, the data sets are notmoved.

The moving means of the present invention comprising the adjustmentmeans for adjusting a speed of the movement of the at least one dataline depending on a criterion may not only be used in systems forshowing at least two data lines, but also in systems showing at leastone data line, such as a system showing a single data line.

The present invention further comprises a system for providinginformation to a user comprising: a screen for showing the informationto the user, receiving means for receiving one or more values from asource of values on which values the information shown to the user isbased, generating means for generating at least one data line whereinthe data line comprises at least one data set, wherein the data setscomprises data which are based on said values, and displaying means forshowing said at least one data line to the user on said screen. Thesystem further comprises moving means for moving the at least one dataline on the screen, wherein the moving means comprise adjustment meansfor adjusting a speed of the movement of the at least one data linedepending on a criterion relating to the at least one data set comprisedin the data line.

The moving means and the adjustment means for such an embodiment may becomposed and work in the same way as described above with respect to thesystem showing at least two data lines.

In a second embodiment, the system may comprise highlighting means forvisually highlighting at least one data set out of said two or more datalines according to at least one criterion. Thereby, the user will beprovided with additional information that is easily recognized. Thehighlighting means may automatically apply the criterion in order todetermine whether the at least one data set is highlighted and/or inwhat manner the at least one data set is highlighted.

In a particular embodiment, the system may comprise comparison means forcomparing the data comprised in the at least one data set withpredetermined or changeable values.

Further, in one embodiment, the highlighting means will highlight a dataset depending on the result of the comparison means comparing the datacomprised in data set with predetermined or changeable values. Thehighlighting means will thereby provide the user with additionalinformation with respect to the data sets comprised in the highlightedarea depending on a comparison of these data sets with predetermined orchangeable values.

In a particular embodiment, the comparison means will compare the datacomprised in the at least one data set with benchmark values. Thereby,the additional information provided to the user will be information withrespect to the difference between the data sets that are displayed, andbenchmark values.

In a particular system, the benchmark values are generated by benchmarkgenerating means on the basis of historical data or external data.

In particular, the comparison means may compare the at least one dataset with historical data, for example an average value, a minimum or amaximum value of the data set a certain time in the past, or withexternal benchmarks. For example, if the data sets relate to a recenttime period, the benchmark values may be the same data set for a pasttime period. For example, the comparison means may compare the actualvalues with the values of the last week, the last month, the lastquarter year or the last year.

In a particular embodiment, the highlighting means will highlight the atleast one data set in at least two different ways depending on the atleast one criterion. Thereby, further information can be provided to theuser.

In particular, the highlighting means will highlight the at least onedata set using at least two different color tones depending on the atleast one criterion. Further, the highlighting means may highlight theat least one data set using at least two different color shadesdepending on the at least one criterion. Further, the highlighting meansmay also highlight the at least one data set using at least twodifferent color tones and at least two different color shades.

For example, the highlighting means may use two different color tonessuch as red and blue depending on the at least one criterion, and/or atleast two different color shades like a light color and a dark colordepending on the at least one criterion, such as a light red and a darkred or a light blue and a dark blue.

In a particular embodiment, the highlighting means will highlight the atleast one data set using two different color tones depending on whetherthe comparison means will provide a positive or a negative result of thecomparison. For example, if the data sets are above a certain benchmarkvalue, they may be highlighted in a first color tone, such as green,while the same data sets may be highlighted in a second color tone, forexample in red, if they are below a certain benchmark value.

In a further embodiment, the highlighting means will highlight the atleast one data set using different color shades of the same color toneif the comparison means will provide results having the same sign, butdifferent absolute values. For example, if the data set is stronglyabove or below a benchmark value, a strong color shade may be used,while a weak color shade is used if the data sets are only slightlyabove or below a certain benchmark value.

The highlighting means may highlight several data sets comprised in adata line separately. In this case, the criterion is preferably appliedto the data sets separately in order to determine whether a data set ishighlighted and in order to determine the manner of highlighting.

Alternatively, the highlighting means may highlight all the data setscomprised in a data line together, or may highlight an entire data line.In this case, the criterion is preferably applied to all the data setscomprised in the data line, or data generated from all the data sets.

The highlighting means of the present invention may not only be used insystems for showing at least two data lines, but also in systems showingat least one data line, such as a system showing a single data line.

The present invention further comprises a system for providinginformation to a user comprising: a screen for showing the informationto the user, receiving means for receiving one or more values from asource of values on which values the information shown to the user isbased, generating means for generating at least one data line whereinthe data line comprises at least one data set, wherein the data setscomprises data which are based on said values, and displaying means forshowing said at least one data line to the user on said screen. Thesystem further comprises highlighting means for visually highlighting atleast one data set out of said at least one data line according to atleast one criterion.

The highlighting means for such an embodiment may be composed and workin the same way as described above with respect to the system showing atleast two data lines.

It is of particular advantage if at least one of the data sets formingthe data lines comprises sparklines. As mentioned above sparklines areword-sized graphics which display a large amount of information in asmall space. The sparklines may contain vertical or horizontal bardiagrams or line diagrams etc. showing for example the development ofany desired value over time, i.e. the history of a parameter ofinterest. The data lines may also comprise other data such as text and acombination of text and values such as for example the number ofincoming calls from a particular customer or from several customers.

At least one data line may comprise a label designating the kind of dataof which the data line is comprised. Such labels designate the data lineand easily show to the user which kind of data are displayed in the dataline. Such labels are optional and can be omitted if the nature of thedisplayed data is self explaining. However, the labels ease theorientation of the user by clearly designating the kind of data of whichthe data lines are composed.

The values which are the basis of the data may be textual or numericalvalues. The values may be for example listed in one or more tables ormay be included in one or more text documents such as reports.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention the data may beuploaded to an internet or intranet web server and then integrated intoan internet or intranet web page. Alternatively the system is adapted toprovide the information to the user independently from the internet orintranet. The system may thus also be a “desktop version” which may bestarted without interaction with the internet or intranet and whichprovides the information on the screen of a computer or on the screen ofa handheld device such as a PDA. If the device is a portable device itis possible to provide the user of the system at any location with thedesired information.

It is of particular advantage if the system comprises moving means formoving at least one of said data lines on the screen. The movement ofthe data lines allows providing a large amount of information to theuser without requiring user interaction. It is possible to adapt thesystem so that user action is not necessary for providing theinformation but possible to provide the user with additionalinformation.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention it isconceivable that the system comprises moving means for moving only thosedata lines which are not fitting onto the screen whereas data lineswhich are fitting onto the screen are not moved. It is of course alsopossible to move all data lines or to provide a system in accordance towhich no data line is moved.

Preferably the labels designating the data lines are not moved on thescreen. In accordance with this embodiment of the invention preferablythe labels forming the first row or line of the data field are not movedwhile the data lines themselves may be moved over the screen. Suchmovement may for example be a horizontal or vertical movement over thescreen.

The system may comprise a database in which said values are storedwherein the database is connected or connectable to said receiving meansfor receiving the values from the database. The database may be part ofthe system or may be an external data source, database or web service towhich the receiving means for receiving data may be connected. Thedatabase may comprise text files and/or data files.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention the systemcomprises update means which are adapted to trigger an update of thedata on a regular basis, on demand by the user or automatically, e.g. ifany of said values changes. This allows to provide the user permanentlywith current data and allows an immediate reaction if a not desiredtrend or not desired values are detected.

The generating means of the system are adapted to generate the data astext or as graphic, such as a vector-based graphic or as a bitmap.

As outlined above the system may allow the upload of the data byuploading means to an internet web server by FTP, by file copy or byHTTP or SMTP. The web page on which the data lines are displayed may bea XML, HTML web page, a XHTML web page or a web page including a flashor java application.

In accordance with a further embodiment the system comprises selectingmeans for selecting the data and/or the kind of data and/or the kind ofvisualization of data, such as color, size and the legend of the data,by the user of the system or by the provider of the system, which dataare used for generating the data lines. It is conceivable that only apart of the values which are available are of relevance for therequested information so that the user or the provider of the system canselect this part of the values for generating data lines.

It is also possible for the user to select color and/or the size of thedisplayed data as well as legends representing for example a designationof the displayed data, the figures underlying the displayed data or thekind of the displayed data.

In order to further increase the amount of information shown to the userthe system may comprise detail displaying means for showing detailsreferring to the data shown on the screen. These detail displaying meansmay be adapted to provide size adjustments for depicting more detailssuch as additional labels as well as relative and absolute values orvalue changes referring to the displayed data.

The detail displaying means may also be adapted to dynamically enlargethe distance between graphical elements of the data set in order toplace values or value labels into the generated space. If for example aparticular column or bar of a sparkline is of interest it is possible toincrease the space on both sides of this column or bar and to providethe user with additional information in this space as for exampleabsolute values or relative values showing the relation of the selectedcolumn/bar to the previous or succeeding column/bar etc.

The system further may comprise adjusting means for adjusting themovement, such as direction and/or speed of movement of the data lineson the screen.

Said detail displaying means and/or said adjusting means may betriggered by moving on the screen a pointer to said data or by touchingon a touch screen the location on which the data are displayed on thescreen.

The screen may be the screen of a portable device or of a personalcomputer or laptop. The portable device may be a handheld device such asa cell phone or a PDA. As outlined above the screen may be a touchscreen which allows easy user interaction.

The information shown on the screen may be displayed in form of a windowor frame. This window or frame may be adjusted in size and position sothat the work with the computer or device can be continued at the sametime as the data lines are shown on the screen. Thus the presentinvention is a valuable tool in particular for persons who wish to havea full and clear overview over any process of interest, such ascontrollers, financial analysts, managers etc.

Further embodiments and advantages of the invention are described by theembodiment which is shown in the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 to 3 show snapshots of a computer screen of the system accordingto the present invention. FIGS. 2 and 3 show the invention in form ofdata lines which are located in a frame or window (“ticker portal”)opening on the screen of a computer device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following explanation of the embodiment applies to all figures.

The system comprises a computer screen of a common personal computer orlaptop for showing the information to the user.

The system further comprises a database which stores textual ornumerical values. Such textual values are for example the name of thecustomers, the name of the ordered products etc. Numerical values arefor example turnover values vs. time.

The values are stored in a database which is accessed by receiving meansof the system of the present invention. The receiving means are adaptedto read or receive from the database values which are the basis forgenerating data lines.

After receipt of the values the receiving means transfers the values tothe generating means of the system. The generating means generate datafrom the values such as sparklines and/or textual information and formdata sets 20 comprising said data. One or usually more than one data set20 is assembled into a data line 10 which comprises one or preferablytwo or more data sets 20 in a row.

The receiving means further receive labels 30 from the database whichlabels designate the kind of the data displayed in each of the datalines 10. These labels 30 form the first column or line of the showndata lines 10.

The data lines 10 usually move horizontally over the screen. However,the invention covers also any other kind of movement such as a verticalmovement of data lines for example at one side of the screen. Contraryto the data lines 10 the labels 30 are preferably not moved by themoving means of the system.

The moving means are adapted to move the data lines 10 on the screen sothat the user may be provided with a lot of information without therequiring user interaction.

In one embodiment, the speed of the movement of a data line depends onthe content displayed in the data line, and in particular to a criterionrelating to the data sets 20 comprised in a data line 10.

In particular, the moving means may comprise adjusting means foradjusting the speed of the movement depending on the length of all thedata sets to be displayed in a data line in the direction of movement.Therefore, if a data line comprises a large number of data sets or verylarge data sets, the adjustment means will increase the speed, becausethere is a lot of information to be displayed in the data line, anddecrease the speed if there is not so much information.

In particular, if the size of the information to be displayed in a dataline is only slightly larger than the size of the data line, such thatthe entire information does not fit completely on the screen but is onlyslightly larger than an information that would fit onto the screen, theadjustment means may use a first, rather low speed of movement.

In contrast, if the size of the information is far larger than theinformation that would still fit onto the screen, a second, higher speedmay be used.

The adjustment means may adjust the speed in a stepwise manner, with atleast two different speeds, and in certain embodiments with a pluralityof different speeds. Alternatively, the adjustment means may adjust thespeed continuously with the size of the data to be displayed in a dataline.

As outlined above, the generating means are provided to generate datalines 10 based on values of a database. As shown in the figures the datalines 10 comprise sparklines which have the shape of vertical bardiagrams, line diagrams etc. reflecting the development of a value overtime. The data lines 10 also comprise textual information such as thename of customers or the name of products as shown in the figure. Thistextual information is linked with numerical values such as the numberof calls of the customers or the number of product downloads.

As shown in the figures the system of the present invention allows therepresentation of a number of data lines 10, each of the data lines 10reflecting a certain category of the displayed data. In the shownexample these categories which are designated by the labels 30 in thefirst row are turnover, outgoing and incoming calls, mails, visits,orders, downloads etc. Moved data lines 10 are located beside the labels30 wherein the data lines 10 are composed of data sets 20. The data sets20 are comprised of data which data reflect values of the labeledcategory.

As shown in the first line of the enclosed figures the data may comprisesparklines which show the development of the turnover versus time fordifferent companies or departments or sections of a company. Referencenumeral 20 in the first line in FIG. 2 depicts a full data set 20comprising a textual information, namely the turnover, a graphicalinformation in form of a sparkline and numerical values on which some ofthe columns of the sparklines are based. The first, second and thirdnumber on the right-hand side of the vertical bar diagram of thesparkline reflect the value on which the last column (current value),the smallest column (minimum value) and the largest column (maximumvalue) of the sparkline is based, respectively. Because the most currentvalue is depicted both numerically and graphically, the eye is capableof safely measuring the magnitude of the unlabeled values.

A label designating the sparkline is located on the left-hand side ofthe vertical bar diagram of the sparkline. This label, the bar diagramas well as said numbers form a data set 20. Of course other kinds ofrepresentation such as line diagrams as well as other values describingthe diagram, such as mean values, deviations, absolute and relativevalues etc. are also conceivable to be displayed.

As shown in the second and third data line 10 of the figures the datalines have not to comprise graphical elements but can also containtextual information. In this example the second line is a data linewhich shows the number of outgoing calls to different firms. The dataline 10 comprises the name of the company, on the right hand sidethereof the number of outgoing calls to this company and on the lefthand side the ordinal number of the respective company wherein theordinal number is based on the number of outgoing calls.

The third and the following data lines 10 represent further data such asoutgoing mails, calls etc.

The present figures of course merely contain examples of data formingthe data sets 20. The present invention may be used for any kind of datasuch as for example for results of sport events, any kind of companydata such as personnel or economic data etc. There is no restriction asto the kind of data and to the kind of representation of these datawhich may be shown in those data lines 10.

The system according to the embodiment shown in the figures may haveadditional tools which allow a comfortable use of the data lines 10.

On of these tools is a means for stopping the movement of a data line 10which eases inspecting the data set 20. This stopping means may betriggered by moving a pointer to the data set 20 or data line 10 ofinterest or by touching on a touch screen the respective position on thescreen.

Another tool is designed to show more details of a data set 20 to theuser. This tool may be adapted to represent additional figures referringto a data line 10 or data set 20 or data such as relative or absolutevalues, changes or deviations of the data line 10 or further informationreferring to a company to which the data set 20 belongs etc. The toolmay be adapted to create a space in a data set 20 in which theadditional data are shown. Such space may be created for example on oneor both sides of a column of a sparkline or beside the text of a dataset.

In a further embodiment of the invention tools are provided foradjusting the size, color or form of the representation of the data. Itis for example conceivable to provide selecting means for allowing theuser to select the kind of sparkline which is represented in a data set20.

The data lines 10 may be shown in a frame or window (“ticker portal”)opening on the screen which is shown in FIG. 2.

The window may be located on the screen at a fixed location, such as ontop of the screen or may be moved on the screen according to the usersneed. This allows the user to continue his current work on the screenand at the same time gives to the user without user interactionpermanently the desired information in form of said data lines 10.Preferably the size of the window may be adjusted according to the usersneed for example so that it perfectly fits on the screen. Such sizeadjustment may be accompanied by a corresponding scale up or scale downof the data lines 10 so as to maintain the amount of displayedinformation independently of the size of the window.

FIG. 3 shows a further tool for providing the user with additionalinformation. This tool will highlight at least some of the data sets ordata lines according to at least one criterion.

For this purpose, the highlighting means may comprise comparison meansfor comparing the data comprised in the at least one data set withpredetermined or changeable values. In particular, the values of thedata sets may be compared with benchmark values. For example, if thedata set relates to the number of visits to customers in the runningmonth, this value may be compared with the average value in past months.

The highlighting means may highlight the data line in a first color,such as red, if the displayed values are below the benchmark values. Incontrast, if the displayed values are above the benchmark values, thehighlighting means may highlight the data line with a second color, suchas blue.

In particular, the background of a data set or a data line may behighlighted in a different color tone depending on whether the datadisplayed are above or below a certain benchmark value.

The absolute difference between the data sets and the benchmark valuesmay also have an influence on the intensity of the color. Light colorsmay represent small differences with respect to benchmark values, whilestrong color shades may represent strong differences.

In FIG. 3, a first data line 40 is highlighted in light blue,representing a value of visits that is slightly larger than thebenchmark value.

In contrast, line 50 is highlighted in light red, indicating a valuethat is slightly lower than the benchmark value.

The highlighting means may highlight the entire data line depending onthe comparison of all the data sets comprised in the data line with abenchmark value.

Alternatively, the highlighting means may highlight the data sets withina data line separately. In this case, the data sets or a group of datasets of a single data line will be separately compared with benchmarkvalues.

In this case, first data set comprised in a first data line may behighlighted with a different color than a second data set comprised inthe same first data line, depending on the difference of these data setswith respect to certain benchmark values.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for providing information to a usercomprising: a screen for showing the information to the user, receivingmeans for receiving one or more values from a source of values on whichvalues the information shown to the user is based, generating means forgenerating two or more data lines wherein each of said data linescomprises at least one data set, wherein the data sets comprise datawhich are based on said values and wherein the data sets are assigned toat least two data lines by predetermined or change-able criteriadisplaying means for simultaneously showing said two or more data linesto the user on said screen, and moving means for moving at least one ofsaid data lines on the screen, wherein the moving means compriseadjustment means for adjusting a speed of the movement of the at leastone data line depending on a criterion relating to the at least one dataset comprised in the data line.
 2. The system according to claim 1,wherein the criterion relates to a number of data sets comprised in theat least on data line and/or the size of the at least one data set. 3.The system according to claim 2, wherein the adjusting means will adjustthe speed in such a way that a data line comprising a larger number ofdata sets or larger data sets will move faster than a data linecomprising a smaller number of data sets or smaller data sets.
 4. Thesystem according to claim 1, wherein the labels of the data lines arenot moved.
 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the systemcomprises moving means for moving only those data lines which are notfitting onto the screen whereas data lines which are fitting onto thescreen are not moved.
 6. The system according to claim 1, furthercomprising highlighting means for visually highlighting at least onedata set out of said two or more data lines according to at least onecriterion.
 7. The system according to claim 1, further comprisingcomparison means for comparing the data comprised in the at least onedata set with predetermined or changeable values.
 8. The systemaccording to claim 6, wherein the highlighting means will highlight adata set or a data line depending on the result of the comparison meanscomparing the data comprised in the at least one data set of said dataline.
 9. The system according to claim 6, wherein the comparison meanswill compare the data comprised in the at least one data set withbenchmark values.
 10. The system according to claim 9, wherein thebenchmark values are generated by benchmark generating means on thebasis of historical data or external data.
 11. The system according toclaim 6, wherein the highlighting means will highlight the at least onedata set in at least two different ways depending on the at least onecriterion.
 12. The system according to claim 11, wherein thehighlighting means will highlight the at least one data set using atleast two different colour tones and/or at least two colour shadesdepending on the at least one criterion.
 13. The system according toclaim 9 or 12, wherein the highlighting means will highlight the atleast one data set using two different colour tones depending on whetherthe comparison means will provide a positive or negative result of thecomparison.
 14. The system according to claim 9 or 12, wherein thehighlighting means will highlight the at least one data set usingdifferent colour shades of the same colour tone if the comparison meanswill provide a result having the same sign, but different absolutevalues.
 15. The system according to claim 1 wherein at least one of thedata sets comprises sparklines.
 16. The system according to claim 1,wherein at least one data line comprises a label designating the kind ofdata of which the data line is comprised.
 17. The system according toclaim 1, wherein said values are textual or numerical values.
 18. Thesystem according to claim 1, wherein the system further comprisesuploading means for uploading said data to an internet or intranet webserver and integrating means for integrating said data within aninternet or intranet web page.
 19. The system according to claim 1,wherein the system is adapted to provide the information to the userwithout requiring access to the intranet or internet.
 20. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a database inwhich said values are stored wherein the database is connected orconnectable to said receiving means for receiving the values from thedatabase.
 21. The system according to claim 1, wherein the systemfurther comprises connection means for connecting the receiving means toan external datasource, database or webservice in which said values arestored.
 22. The system according to claim 20 or 21, wherein thedatabases comprise text files and/or data files.
 23. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the system further comprises update meanswhich are adapted to trigger an update of the data on a regular basis,on demand by the user or automatically, e.g. if any of said valueschanges.
 24. The system according to claim 1, wherein the generatingmeans are adapted to generate the data as text or as graphicrepresentation, such as a vector-based graphic or as a bitmap.
 25. Thesystem according to claim 18, wherein said uploading means are adaptedto perform said upload of the data to the internet web server by FTP, byfile copy or by HTTP or SMTP.
 26. The system according to claim 18,wherein the web page is a XML, HTML web page, a XHTML web page or a webpage including a flash or java application.
 27. The system according toclaim 1, wherein the system further comprises selecting means forselecting the data, kind of data or kind of visualization of data, suchas color, size and the legend of the data, by the user of the system orby the provider of the system, which data are used for generating thedata lines.
 28. The system according to claim 1, wherein the systemfurther comprises detail displaying means for showing details referringto the data shown on the screen.
 29. The system according to claim 28,wherein the detail displaying means are adapted to provide sizeadjustments for depicting more details such as additional labels as wellas relative and absolute values or value changes.
 30. The systemaccording to claim 28, wherein the detail displaying means are adaptedto dynamically enlarge the distance between graphical elements of thedata in order to place values or value labels into the generated space.31. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprisesadjusting means for adjusting the movement, such as direction and/orspeed of movement of the data lines on the screen.
 32. The systemaccording to any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein said detail displayingmeans and/or said adjusting means are triggered by moving on the screena pointer to said data or by touching on a touch screen the location onwhich the data are displayed on the screen.
 33. The system according toclaim 1, wherein the screen is a touch screen.
 34. A system forproviding information to a user comprising: a screen for showing theinformation to the user, receiving means for receiving one or morevalues from a source of values on which values the information shown tothe user is based, generating means for generating at least one dataline wherein the data line comprises at least one data set, wherein thedata sets comprises data which are based on said values, displayingmeans for showing said at least one data line to the user on saidscreen, and moving means for moving the at least one data line on thescreen, wherein the moving means comprise adjustment means for adjustinga speed of the movement of the at least one data line depending on acriterion relating to the at least one data set comprised in the dataline.